Apple Notes Forgot Password for Locked Notes

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

1. FIX 1Try biometrics and likely passwords

   Copy steps
   1. 01Tap the locked note and try Face ID or Touch ID if you enabled it
   2. 02Try passwords you commonly use; there is no recovery link for the old password
   Did this fix it? Yes No

2. FIX 2Reset the password for new notes

   Copy steps
   1. 01Open Settings > Notes > Password
   2. 02Choose Reset Password and sign in with your Apple Account password
   3. 03Understand this only locks new notes; old locked notes stay locked
   Did this fix it? Yes No

3. FIX 3Prevent it in future

   Copy steps
   1. 01When locking notes, use your device passcode if you can
   2. 02Keep a copy of important text outside locked notes
   Did this fix it? Yes No

Symptoms

You cannot open locked notes and do not remember the password.

Why it happens

• C-01Separate Notes password set instead of device passcode
• C-02Password reset only applies to new locks

// this guide also covers

• forgot apple notes password
• reset notes password
• unlock locked notes

The same problem in other apps

All plan limits, paywalls & watermarks guides →

• Notion 'Your File Is Over the 5MB Limit' Error (Notion)
• Forgot Bear Note Password (Locked Notes) (Bear)
• Evernote Note Limit Reached (Free Plan) (Evernote)
• Craft Block Limit Still Showing After Upgrade (Craft)

Other Apple Notes errors

• Apple Notes Not Syncing Between iPhone and Mac
• Apple Notes Disappeared or Missing
• Apple Notes Shared Notes Not Updating or Collaboration Unavailable
• Apple Notes Slow, Lagging or Freezing
• Gmail Notes Not Syncing in Apple Notes
• Apple Notes Not Syncing Because iCloud Storage Is Full
• How to Export Apple Notes (Markdown, PDF, All Notes)
• Apple Notes on Android or Windows